Marginalia
Strongly Disagree/Strongly Agree
From ancient studies to computer science, every College course comes to the same end: course evaluations. Forms are passed out and students have their say. What they say appears on the University’s Web site for perusal by comparison course–shoppers and other curious parties. We recently visited and culled some of the livelier reviews.
Astronomy and Astrophysics 18200-01: Origin and Evolution of the Universe
How productive was class discussion?
Very. Other than some condescending nerds, I think everyone learned a lot.
English 12800-01: Theories of Media
Which texts were most useful?
Almost all of them were great. But this is the fifth time I’ve read Benjamin’s “Mechanical Reproduction” piece in the last two quarters...um, yeah. That’s all I have to say about that.
Classical Civilizations 27200-01: Aeneids in Translation
What were the instructor’s strengths? Weaknesses?
David Wray is a Stoic seer!
English 20900-01: Fantasy and Science Fiction
What were the instructor’s strengths? Weaknesses?
I always feel unfairly tantalized when he turns over an index card and says, “I’ll skip that.” What did he skip? Why did he skip it? Please don’t!
Economics 22200-01: Topics: American History
How has this course contributed to your education?
It has taught me that reading course evaluations is a more important activity than I had previously thought. On a more serious note, I did learn some interesting information about early American economic history. It has toughened my skin, but encouraged me to not elect to take interesting classes.
Anthropology 21303-01: Making the Natural World
What were the instructor’s strengths? Weaknesses?
His voice is soothing...a little too soothing.
What, if anything, would you change about this course and why?
Don’t wear black every day. It’s scary.
Geosciences 13300-01: The Atmosphere
What aspects of the course should be retained?
The instructor! The material! The text! Everything!
English 16600-00: Shakespeare-2: Tragedies/Romances
What, if anything, would you change about this course and why?
Nothing. Unfortunately and obviously, we cannot cover every Shakespearean tragedy worth reading, but this is not the fault of the course design.
Art History 22804: Utopias
How productive was class discussion?
Varied wildly from minute to minute. Prone to spastic epiphanies. Thunderdome, baby.
Law, Letters, and Society 24711-01: Lincoln: Slavery, War & the Constitution
How has this course contributed to your education?
I think I now know more about Abraham Lincoln than I do about anyone who is not in my immediate family.
History 22105-01: Adam Smith in Context
How has this course contributed to your education?
Inspired by the Edinburgh Men of Genius, I strive to emulate their multidisciplinary mastery.
